Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick followed-up on his release earlier this month of Top Twenty Legislative Priorities today with five additional pieces of legislation that will receive low bill numbers, indicating that he has also designated them as high-priorities. According to the release from the Lt. Governor's office:
SB 21 – Convention of States – I support the efforts of Governor Greg Abbott in adopting a call for an Article V “Convention of States” to limit the power of the federal government.
SB 22 – Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH) – By targeting workforce-ready partnerships between K-12, higher education and industry, we will continue to improve our workforce and prepare students to be successful in today’s competitive and rapidly changing economy.
SB 23 – E-Verify – I will continue the efforts of the Texas Legislature in the electronic verification of employment authorization. This will ensure that individuals employed by state partners are also authorized for employment.
SB 24 – Religious Liberty – Sermon Safeguard – The Senate will continue to protect the most fundamental First Amendment religious liberty rights by protecting pastors from forced testimony and shielding sermons from government subpoena power.
SB 25 – Wrongful Birth – The Senate will continue to fight to protect and value the lives of children born with disabilities by prohibiting this cause of action in Texas.